La Salle Council receives education on fiber optics

Towns throughout La Salle County have been pledging their support to a fiber optic cable project, but before La Salle officials would get behind it they wanted more information.

They received it.  The council Monday night heard from Herb Kuryliw of Northern Illinois University, a developer of the project.  The cable would extend a network that ends at Earlville and Leland and distribute it through La Salle County south to Wenona.
Kuryliw says it would save schools and city money while improving internet connections between buildings.  He also says it could create jobs and help business.
Some towns have already said they would donate use of their utility poles or give money.  La Salle Economic Development Director Don Alesky says they’re looking at which in-kind services they could offer and public easements.

The project would only expand into La Salle County if it receives a federal grant that they’ve applied for.  If they receive the grant they have two years to complete the project.

Fire Department At Odds With Non Profit

Stopping short of calling it a scam, Ottawa firefighters are saying not to donate to a local not for profit group.

A few weeks ago, the organizer of what’s called Ottawa Regional Rescue Squad bought a newspaper ad asking for things like an ambulance, bus to transport volunteers, dog trailer and roof repairs for two existing buildings.  Ottawa Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Newberry says he doesn’t know where these locations are for roof repairs and says all this equipment is already available through legitimate emergency response agencies.  Newberry says the same individual tried awhile back to start up a group called South Ottawa Rescue Squad that was also not recognized by the fire department or county emergency officials.

The so called Ottawa Regional Rescue Squad is registered as a not for profit with the Secretary of State’s Office but Newberry says it’s not registered with the attorney general’s office.

Easter Seals Still Getting Donations

Money is still coming in for the Easter Seals of La Salle and Bureau Counties.

Over two thousand more dollars has been donated since the group’s 30^th annual telethon went off the air Saturday night.  The latest fundraising tally is 177 thousand dollars.  Last year’s donation total was 217 thousand dollars.

Miller Group Charitable Trust was this year’s VIP Campaign Chair for the Easter Seals.  Miller Group Charitable Trust includes AM 1220 WLPO, 96-5 the Wolf, 99-3 WAJK, the News Tribune and Agri News.

IVCC Names Alumnus Of Year

Being president of the country’s largest machine tool company has helped a La Salle native be named Illinois Valley Community College alumnus over the year.

47 year old Dan Janka is a 1982 graduate of IVCC’s mechanical technology program.  He’s the president of MAG Global which is said to be the third largest machine tool company in the world.

Janka graduated from L-P in 1980 before going to IVCC and eventually Southern Illinois University.  He plans to be at this Saturday’s hall of fame induction at IVCC to honor his mentor, Don Haas.

Identity Theft Reported In Earlville

Wouldn’t it be nice to get free power?  A woman from Earlville is accused of trying to get free power by illegal means.

Laura Rich turned herself in today to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office on charges of identity theft and theft.  She’s accused of using another person’s name and social security number to open up a ComEd account.  Investigators say they’ve been looking into the identity theft since December.

Rich posted bond and was released.

Council to hear about fiber optic network

If you’re wanting to know more about a fiber optic network that could be extended through La Salle County, someone involved with the project will be talking about it at the La Salle City Council meeting.

The council will also talk about vacating a portion of Malcomb Avenue and extending the economic development director’s position by three years.

The council meets at 7pm Monday.